Learn 2 techniques for crafting chocolate mousse cakes from scratch with Mytour - The Culinary Destination

1. Simple Chocolate Mousse Cake Method

“Mousse” in French means “foam.” Hence, mousses typically feature a smooth, airy layer reminiscent of sea foam. Normally, mousse cakes have a thin sponge layer at the bottom. However, with this method, Mytour suggests a recipe for making chocolate mousse cakes from scratch in petite, charming sizes perfect for daily desserts.

Ingredients Needed

• 100g whipping cream
• 100g dark chocolate
• 50g unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (can be substituted with granulated sugar, hence no powdered sugar needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions for Making Chocolate Mousse Cake

Step 1: Combine chocolate with unsalted butter and about 1 tablespoon of Whipping Cream (learn more about different types of Whipping Cream in the article What is Whipping Cream) in a large bowl, then melt together over low heat until butter and chocolate are melted together (Image 1). Pour the melted chocolate mixture into another bowl and let it cool at room temperature (Image 2).

Step 2: Pour the remaining whipping cream into a bowl along with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Use an electric whisk or a mixer until stiff peaks form.

Step 3: Combine the whipped cream mixture with the chocolate mixture from step 1. In this step, you should use a spatula to mix the two ingredients. While mixing, fold the cream from the bottom to the top. Repeat until the two ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Transfer the chocolate mousse into a piping bag and pour it into cups (do not overfill).

Step 5: Place the dessert cups in the refrigerator's chill compartment for at least 2 hours to set the mousse.

Result of Execution

Chocolate mousse cake without sponge layers has a balanced sweetness and a mildly bitter chocolate flavor. Paired with creamy and rich fresh cream, it is irresistibly delicious. Keep each cake portion moderate to avoid overwhelming the palate.

You Might Also Be Interested In: 

• 6 Ways to Make Mousse Cakes

2. Making Chocolate Mousse Gato Cake

Many people also love chocolate mousse gato cakes. Unlike pure mousse cakes, gato cakes have an additional cake base layer at the bottom. Despite being gato cakes, the process is incredibly simple. Let's get started!

Essential Ingredients

Ingredients for the Cake Base

• 130g unsalted butter
• 160g dark chocolate
• 150g brown sugar
• 50g all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs

Ingredients for the Mousse

• 820ml whipping cream
• 6 eggs, separated yolks from whites
• 2 gelatin sheets
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 400g dark chocolate
• 110g powdered sugar

Instructions for Making Chocolate Mousse Gato Cake

Step 1: Making the Cake Base

• Step 1: Combine brown sugar, dark chocolate, and unsalted butter with a splash of water in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until ingredients are melted and well combined.

Image: @thescranline

• Step 2: Pour the chocolate mixture into a large bowl then crack in 2 eggs. Use an electric mixer or handheld whisk to thoroughly combine the eggs with the chocolate.

Photo: @thescranline

• Step 3: Add the flour and mix until smooth. Pour the chocolate batter into the prepared cake pan lined with parchment paper (Pour the batter to a thickness of about 2cm).

Photo: @thescranline

• Step 4: Bake the cake for about 20 minutes at 180°C. After baking and cooling, use a knife to separate the cake from the pan.
• Step 5: Use a sturdy piece of acetate to line the sides of the cake pan. A piece of acetate about 65cm long will help secure the mousse layer in place. Then, place the cooled sponge cake layer on the bottom.

Photo: @thescranline

Step 2: Making the Chocolate Mousse

• Step 1: Place dark chocolate in a saucepan and stir well. Heat over low heat until the chocolate melts and becomes smooth. Turn off the heat, then add 6 egg yolks. Use a spoon to mix until the eggs are incorporated with the chocolate.

Photo: @thescranline

• Step 2: Place gelatin leaves in a bowl of cold water and soak for 5 minutes, then remove the gelatin leaves, squeezing out excess water.
• Step 3: Heat 250ml whipping cream in the microwave for about 20 seconds, then add the soaked gelatin leaves and stir well.

Photo: @thescranline

• Step 4: Mix the heated whipping cream with the chocolate mixture from step 1. Stir vigorously to combine the ingredients evenly.
• Step 5: Pour 600ml whipping cream and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract into another bowl. Use a hand mixer to whip the cream until stiff peaks form.

Photo: @thescranline

• Step 6: Beat 6 egg whites with 110g caster sugar until the egg whites are fluffy and stiff.
• Step 7: Mix the whipped cream from step 5 with the melted chocolate mixture. Use a spatula to fold the cream from the bottom up. Repeat this process several times to blend the ingredients together. Finally, fold in the fluffy egg whites (from step 6). Continue folding from the bottom up and stir gently to create the mousse.

Photo: @thescranline

Step 3: Finishing the chocolate mousse cake

• Step 1: Pour the prepared mousse into the cake mold secured with a mica sheet. Use a tool to smooth the top surface of the mousse. Secure and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight for a firmer cake).

Photo: @thescranline

• Step 2: Once set, gently run a knife around the cake. Carefully remove the mica sheet, and your chocolate mousse cake is ready.

3. Tips for making chocolate mousse cake for beginners

• The mousse cake should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving to ensure that the mousse sets and does not run.
• If you've bought too much whipping cream and haven't used it all, wipe off any remaining cream from the rim of the container and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.
• Chocolate mousse cake should be stored in the refrigerator. If not consumed immediately, use plastic wrap to cover the surface of the cake to prevent it from becoming firm and to extend its shelf life. The best storage time is 3-4 days.
• For beautiful slices of chocolate mousse cake, heat the knife before cutting.
• If you want to reduce calories, you can choose Heavy Whipping Cream – this type of cream has a lower fat content of only 30% but can still be whipped effectively.

Above, Mytour Blog has suggested 2 simple ways to make chocolate mousse cake. Hopefully, with Mytour's recipe, you can easily showcase your cooking skills for the whole family to enjoy.

Check out other cake recipes: 

• Homemade birthday cake recipe
• How to make coconut flan cake